Dolphin Population in Gahirmatha Halves

As per dolphin census report released recently, the dolphin population has come down to more than half in Odisha՚s Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha seawaters.

  • In the latest headcount, only 62 dolphins were spotted, whereas the headcount was 126 last year.
  • The census was conducted for the first time in Gahirmatha in 2015. Due to bad weather, the 2016 and 2017 census was cancelled.
  • The 2020 was the fourth such census.
Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha

Overview

  • The 2018 census reported 307 dolphins. In 2019 the number came down to 126 and in 2020, the number is 62.
  • Odisha state՚s total dolphin count was 259 in 2019 which came down to 233 in 2020.
  • In the census only two bottle nose dolphins were spotted. In 2019,14 bottle nose dolphins were spotted.
  • Dolphin is included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • It is listed as endangered in IUCN՚s (International Union in the Conservation of Nature) Red list.
  • It is included in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
  • The decline in dolphin population has become a cause of concern for the conservationists.
  • Bhitarkanika national park is spread over 145sqkm area in the Kendrapada district.
  • This national park stores richest mangrove genes.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021